Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-09-24

Chihuahua In November, 1852, to settle
vexatious law suit which had been pending nine
months. His return was affected at the close OF
the month following.
SHEPHERDS GIGANTIC MINING OPERATIONS
During his residence at Batoptlas he has
organized eleven companies, all devoted to
the mining industry in the mineral of
Batopilas, and adjoining sections. He has
erected at the Hacienda San Miguel reduc-
tion-works plant OF forty-fve stamps twelve
pans, a teaching plant and roasting furnaces and
rebuilt the ''Hacienda;' enlarg1ng its site from
one to ten acres in extent, and increasing its
working capacity from two to one hundred tons
daily. The Hadfenda San Miguel Is at present
one Of the handsomest and best equipped
centers Of Mexico, such as ZacatecaS and Guiana.
1uato, can produce its equal. In addition to the
works OF the Hacienda San Miguel mill ha, also
hours distant from the former, which also has
roasting furnaces pilas and amalgamating pans
and has done effective work. Gov Shepherd has
also opened up the mineral of Charcas Some two
days ride TO the south OF Batopilas constructing
a complete matchmaking mill with teaching
forty tons per diem. And at about the same dis
lance north Of Batopilas, at point on the UrIuue
shepherds energy has also been at play, and to
such purpose, that this mineral bids fair to equal
the best In the state.
On the 18th OF April, 1886, Governor Shepherd
was granted by the general government OF Mexico
O concession embracing some sixty square miles or
mineral territory, Including the Whole of Bato-
pilaS mineral ground, with right to all abandoned
mines. Governor Shepherd Is now building the
"Hacienda de San Antonio, situated about half a
mile to the north OF the Hacienda San Miguel
from which new works he has projected the tun-
mel known as the 'Portirio Diaz," which, when
completed, will be the longest mining tunnel in
the world. This tunnel in its extensive course
will cut all the silver-bearing veins on the west
side OF the Batopilas River. An aQueduct and
dam are also in progress to bring the water of the
BatOptlaS River to the Hacienda San Antonio'
to furnish power for compressors in driving tunnel
and to run mill OF one hundred stamps
to be erected at the Hacienda de San Antonio"
This aQueduct and dam are greatly advanced.
having about 60 per cent Of the work COMPLETED.
The total number OF mines now being worked
will reach twenty three, and the aggregate of
workings since Gov. Shepherd took control is. %
miles In extent, most OF IL being tunnels feet by
San Miguel has been about half a million dollars
and the amount expended In the DEVELOPMENT
work OF the mines over Ee.OOO. OO0. The yield OF
the mines has thus far averaged about $500 600 Der
annum, but the belief held by Gov. shepherd is
that when the '.Poriirio Diaz" tunnel shall have
ver-hearing veins the yield viii reach many mil
lions per year.
The difficulties encountered by Gov. Shepherd in
this mineral region cannot be realized save by those
who have visited It. All material, machinery and
supplies are brought on mule-back some 200 miles
rivers The Mexican miner Is unexcelled, but
skilled labor OF good kind is hard to obtain and
hold, the place Is isolated and the climate dur
ing the hot season Is unhealthy and the food OF
poor quality. Notwithstanding all these draw
backs magnificent mining business has been In
augurated, which viii in few years, it is conn
IDENTIFY believed, be second to none In the world:
| and the mode OF opening I'D which has been 20
comprehensive as TO insure q large yield Of pre.
cious metals for generations TO come.